Council honors Ryan Countryman for 26 years of Snohomish County service

Snohomish County Council on Wednesday adopted resolution 25-024 recognizing Ryan Countryman for 26 years of service to the county.

The resolution summarizes Countryman’s career with Snohomish County beginning in March 1999 as a long-range planner, his later roles in Planning and Development Services (PDS), promotion to supervisor in February 2016, and his work as a land-use senior legislative analyst in the council office beginning in February 2021. The resolution credited him with drafting complex amendments for three comprehensive-plan updates, helping bring online permitting to PDS, and contributing to much of the county code in use today.

Council members praised Countryman’s institutional knowledge and contributions. Chair Nearing and fellow council members noted his role in recent policy work including the comprehensive-plan update, missing-middle housing, accessory dwelling units, and other land-use policies. Council members acknowledged Countryman’s deep local history, creativity on policy problems, and willingness to explain background to new members.

The council approved the ceremonial resolution by unanimous voice vote, 5–0, and speakers encouraged Countryman to remain available as an informal resource after his departure.

Why it matters: the resolution recognizes a long-serving county employee whose work shaped land-use codes and major planning efforts over multiple decades. The council’s comments emphasized Countryman’s technical knowledge and behind-the-scenes role in policy development.

Supporting details: the resolution lists career milestones and personal details highlighted by colleagues, including Countryman’s interest in local history and his role on multiple comprehensive-plan cycles. Council members said he will be missed and wished him well in retirement.